The control of appetite is a vital aspect of stewardship over our bodies, which are the temple of God's Holy Spirit. Overindulgence, such as gluttony, is a serious offense, representing a form of idolatry that places material desires above God. When the desire for food and drink becomes paramount, it distracts from our spiritual purpose and hinders our ability to serve others effectively. God's design includes cravings and the means to satisfy them, but it is the misuse or excess of these pleasures that He condemns. Unrestrained self-indulgence often leads to deeper iniquity and rejects godly moderation. Physical laws governing our bodies, like those of eating and drinking, are as real as the law of gravity, and breaking them exacts a penalty of pain, sickness, or even death. The consequences of uncontrolled appetites can lead to conditions such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes, inhibiting our capacity to work for the Kingdom. God's people are called to be a light and example to others, to help and serve, and to prepare to rule with and under Jesus Christ, but they cannot do so effectively if burdened by sickness from neglecting these laws. Scripture warns against the sin of gluttony, as seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where the desire for more than what was provided led to humanity's fall into sin. Similarly, Esau forfeited his birthright for a momentary satisfaction of appetite, trading immense value for fleeting pleasure. Such actions reflect idolatry and a focus on the present at the expense of our eternal future. As stewards of God's holy temple, we must protect our spiritual birthright with the same vigor as Jacob, resisting the lure of temporary joys. God has designed our desires to motivate and keep us productive, but He cautions against setting our hearts on temporary pleasures that distract from permanent sources of satisfaction. Excess in food, drink, or other pleasures can lead to an insatiable craving, never fully satisfying, and often resulting in guilt or physical harm. True fulfillment comes from hungering and thirsting for righteousness, as Jesus Christ teaches, promising that such pursuit will fill us. Only a relationship with Our Creator can satisfy the deep spiritual hunger within us, a void no material substitute can fill. David guides us to find fullness of joy and eternal pleasures in God's presence, directing our affections toward those things that draw us closer to Him.

In an affluent society, where gastronomic temptations are constantly before us, controlling appetite is a significant challenge. Restaurant dessert menus, with their alluring photos and enticing slogans, tempt even the strongest will, while children are bombarded with thousands of advertisements for unhealthy foods each year. At the root of gluttony lies a lack of self-control, where each individual is drawn away by personal desires and enticed, leading to sin and ultimately death. This lack of resistance, evident in overeating or overdrinking, reveals a failure to govern oneself, contrary to what God desires for His people. Gluttony affects character, draining perseverance for good and resistance to evil. Solomon warns against succumbing to appetite, advising caution when dining with a ruler and avoiding the deceptive delicacies that tempt excessive cravings. A person given to appetite lacks willpower, willing to do anything to satisfy overwhelming desires. Every visit to an all-you-can-eat cafeteria tests self-discipline, and overindulgence in food or drink mirrors the inability to resist other temptations, such as liquor. God views gluttony as a trait of an evil person, instructing avoidance of those who overeat or overdrink, as their influence can lead to similar excess. Associating closely with gluttons risks adopting their habits, wearing down personal resolve. Beyond food, gluttony extends to excessive desires for knowledge or material possessions, distracting from vital spiritual growth and leading to imbalance. Such overconsumption, whether of food, ideas, or things, prioritizes physical desires over the Creator, breaking His commandments and failing to reflect the holy character He desires. Gluttony in any form leads to spiritual decline, as seen in Israel's history where abundance led to rebellion and idolatry. Today, spiritual gluttony manifests in an insatiable desire for new ideas or doctrines, drawing individuals away from truth into apostasy. The constant lure of repackaged arguments by the deceiver tempts the weak in faith, fostering fanaticism and obsession. God calls His church to walk properly, avoiding revelry and lusts of the flesh, and to use His blessings with balance and restraint, setting a good example as Christians to bring glory to Him.

In a world that often feels out of control, with fast-paced lifestyles designed by satan to distract and overwhelm, the importance of self-control becomes evident. God does not require us to control what is beyond our reach, such as the tides or the weather, but He calls us to govern ourselves. Self-control, listed as the last of the fruits of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, is vital to Christian living, embodying the mastery of one's desires and impulses. It involves holding in hand passions and appetites, ensuring they do not lead us astray from God's standards. The Bible implies self-control in many exhortations to obedience and sinless living, using terms that also suggest sober wisdom and moderation. Proverbs 25:28 illustrates that lacking rule over one's spirit is like a city without walls, vulnerable and defenseless. Paul compares Christian living to athletes in the Grecian games, who must exhibit rigid self-control in all areas of life to succeed, focusing single-mindedly on their goal and avoiding distractions. Jesus emphasizes seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, underscoring the need for such focused control. The apostle John identifies three powerful pulls to control: the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, which are of the world and not of the Father. These can trap us in sin if we are not vigilant, requiring us to turn away from evil impressions and subordinate insatiable appetites that could master us. Paul urges that all actions of body and mind be devoted to God as a sacrifice, a costly offering that demands control over what we allow to influence us. Self-control is further highlighted in II Timothy 1:6-7 as a gift of God's grace, essential for those preparing for His Kingdom. Without it, blind passion leads to destruction, as the flesh and Spirit are in constant conflict. We must set a will above our appetites, using the courage, power, and love of God's Spirit to govern ourselves. The pattern of succumbing to temptation, as seen in Adam and Eve, shows the consequences of failing to control desires, yet through a relationship with Christ, we find the strength for complete self-control. God's love fans His Spirit in us, enabling us to govern ourselves with moderation and resist sin, reflecting our Creator's image.